Ukraine joins UK-led JEF defense grouping, Britain warns Putin

Ukraine joined the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) on Wednesday, a move Britain called a clear message to Vladimir Putin that “your aggression will be met with our strength.”

"Our new enhanced partnership with Ukraine will enable JEF nations to step up with further support to put Ukrainians in the best possible position in defending their freedom,” said UK Defense Secretary John Healey.

Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Britain’s defense ministry said the partnership with Kyiv was agreed in Bodø, Norway, at a meeting of defense ministers from the 11 JEF members, including Ukrainian minister Denys Shmyhal.

Ukraine has received “Enhanced Partnership” status with the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). The corresponding memorandum was signed by the defense ministers of the JEF member states. For the first time, this status has been granted to a nation that is not a member of the… pic.twitter.com/k9UMzDzf3g

— Denys Shmyhal (@Denys_Shmyhal) November 5, 2025

London said the expanded cooperation aims to strengthen the Baltic Sea and High North through work on protecting critical infrastructure, drone use, battlefield medicine and countering disinformation.

JEF will also run training for Ukraine’s armed forces.

"Our new enhanced partnership with Ukraine will enable JEF nations to step up with further support to put Ukrainians in the best possible position in defending their freedom,” said UK Defense Secretary John Healey.

Shmyhal said Ukraine was ready to boost the grouping’s capabilities and share experience in countering hybrid warfare and conducting long-range strikes.

He added that Ukraine plans to take part in JEF exercises.

Founded in 2018, JEF now comprises Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Ukraine and the United Kingdom, which leads the group.

(jh/gs)

Source: PAP, gov.uk